Muslim Model Halima Aden Stars In Her First Big Campaign

The fashion industry has taken major steps towards becoming more inclusive in recent years, but there’s still a long way to go. Model Halima Aden is helping to change that.

For those who aren’t familiar with the Somali-American model, Aden first got noticed after becoming the first woman to compete in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant while wearing a hijab (and a burkini) in 2016. Aden didn’t win the crown — the Miss Minnesota title went to Bridget Jacobs — but she did land a contract with IMG Models earlier this year. Since then, Aden has quickly gained the attention of the fashion set, modeling for Yeezy Season 5, Alberta Ferretti, andMax Mara, all within her first fashion month. In February, she scored a cover for CR Fashion Book, and has appeared in a spread for Harper's Bazaar. This week, Aden is making headlines again, this time for appearing in her first campaign.

As Refinery29reports, Aden teamed up with London and Dubai-based e-commerce brand The Modist (which specializes in luxury conservative clothing), in an campaign which features the 19-year-old modeling designer caftans alongside fellow IMG models Diana Silvers and Cayley King. Released earlier this week, the campaign advertises The Modist’s new capsule collection of modest designer threads for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, and includes designs by brands like Mary Kantrantzou, Addam Lippes, and Osman (to name a few). It’s a niche market for sure, but that doesn’t mean you have to be part of the target audience to appreciate the editorial. In fact, the spread — with its focus on the opulent, almost royal luxury caftans — would be perfectly at home in any high-fashion magazine.

For now, you can scroll down to check out a few highlights from the campaign, or head on over to The Modist to see the editorial in full. And remember to keep an eye out for Aden next fashion week: If the past few months have been any indication, her career is about to take off in a major way.